Remember the outlaw who gave us 'Live Forever'

Billy Joe Shaver may not have qualified as a star. But his music was covered by Waylon Jennings, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and the Allman Brothers. He also acted in numerous films with Robert Duvall, was friends with Bob Dylan, and hung out with comedian Norm MacDonald. He was an artist's artist. But he also had an eccentric streak. Shaver was an outlaw country singer, and the label had little to do with marketing. Shaver shot a man in the face outside a saloon in 2007. He said it was because the man was a "bully." You didn't mess with Mr. Shaver. But despite his roughness, it was a tender song that impacted me the most. The song was called "Live Forever." I first heard the song in the summer of 2003. At the time, I was having a rough go of it. My time in college was ending and I had no idea what was coming next. The anxiety of the situation sent me into a bit of a spiral. It was in the middle of this that I found myself channel surfing one night, and came across the music video for "Live Forever." Shaver was prominently featured, as was the duo "Big and Rich," which provided backing vocals. The lyrics that struck me the most still stand out today. "You fathers and you mothers, be good to one another, be sure to raise your children right. Don't let the darkness take 'em, or make 'em feel forsaken. Guide them safely to the light." For some reason, the beauty of the lyrics — and Shaver's earnest vocal — moved me. I started to get moving again, and got out of the rut. The lyrics were emotional to hear. They must have been even harder to sing. "Live Forever" was co-written by Eddie Shaver, Billy Joe's son and collaborator. Together, they formed the duo, "Shaver." Eddy — a virtuoso guitar player — died of a drug overdose in 2001 at the age of 38. Shaver died of a stroke late last month. He was 81. Shaver's death moved me, even more than some other recent losses in music. It wasn't that I was a huge fan; I really was only familiar with the one song. But the song means as much to me now as the first time I heard it. It really helped me. I figured the best way to honor Shaver was to listen to more of his music. I encouraged friends and family to do the same. A few days later, my mom texted me, telling me how much she enjoyed Billy Joe's "soulful" music. There was comfort in songs like "Comin' on Strong" and humor in "Old Chunk of Coal." "I'm just an old chunk of coal," he sang, "but I'm gonna be a diamond someday." Maybe Billy Joe Shaver was a diamond in the rough. His music is worth checking out. Remember the outlaw.